This is my icon series which has actually taken me several years.  My plan is to have a show when I have 12 completed.  These represent people I've met in St. Louis and my personal journey to see the God-given beauty and value in all people.  This includes total strangers, family members, and even myself.

For example, one of the paintings is of a Vietnamese immigrant (pictured below) protesting their treatment by criminals who attacked them while playing the "knockout game".

I painted this live at Destiny Church of St. Louis during the April 23rd baptism service.  This was a life-size tracing of one of the girls who got baptized.  I used rubber cement and acrylic paint for a resist painting method.

Maze Sky

Maze Sky 2010

Acrylic on Canvas

This is inspired by George Otis Jr.'s book, "Twilight Labyrinth" which was about spiritual mapping and the causes of strongholds over certain places. The maze is an unseen reality we must navigate, superimposed on the natural world.

Open Channels

2010

Acrylic and Ink

Here we see an open channel of revelation cutting through the battle in the heavenly realm.

Infectious Light

2010

Acrylic and Ink

As we attend to altars (contact points between heaven and earth), light and truth will spread.

Upon the Mountains 2010

These are the seven mountains of culture: Religion, Family, Education, Media, Arts & Entertainment, Government, and Business & Technology.

The Lord will have victory there, and we will join Him.

Behold, he comes Leaping upon the mountains, Skipping upon the hills. My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag... My beloved spoke, and said to me: "Rise up, my love, my fair one, And come away. (Song of Solomon 2:8-10)

Prints are available at the GHOP Bookstore for $15.

Click here for info on GHOP.

Application Essay for the Master of Fine Arts

Here's the essay I wrote for the application to Webster University's Master of Fine Arts: Arts Management and Leadership program:

“Artistic” Leaders in Every Sphere

By John Grapperhaus

In the coming decades, the arts will increasingly impact philosophies and strategies in every area of culture. It is difficult to walk in clear objectivity about one’s own time and place. It is an even greater challenge to predict the direction of the arts in the up-coming decades. It is, however, possible to look at patterns of history and society to find present-day application. Ideally, we would use these observed patterns to logically predict the future. If we foresee the future with any accuracy at all, we are then in the position to live proactively: continuing on courses that seem wise and beneficial and pre-correcting courses that would appear to have a negative outcome. Responsible leaders in the arts will come to a place of greater influence in society, observing with discernment, guiding with strategy, and inspiring with vision.

As we find ourselves now completely in the twenty-first century, I believe our worldwide culture finds itself in the midst of a second Renaissance: a “re-rebirth”. The original Renaissance was a time of unprecedented creativity and discovery; a simultaneous quantum leap in the areas of art, science, technology, literacy, religion, architecture, and literature. Masters of every field embraced a boldness to push past the status quo and ask the question, “Where can we go that we have not gone before?” We are in position today, in an ever “shrinking” world, to experience exponentially greater breakthroughs. This is due, in part to the exponential population growth. This mathematical increase results in an increase of ideas, failures, successes, and advancements. This information age grants us instant access to a world of cultures, research, and critique. Ultimately, mankind is moving in the direction of becoming “artists”. We live in an immense community, constantly pushing for creativity. Every sphere of culture is demanding to see leaders with nonlinear thinking styles and asymmetrical solutions that open possibilities instead of merely closing the book on one problem at a time. Governments, businesses, institutions, and families will find high levels of impact if their ambition is to create and build something new rather than to only manage, continue, and control. The entities that are quickly able to adapt to this new model will find themselves in the kind of leadership that does not just shape an election cycle or fiscal quarter, but that builds for generations.

I believe groups and individuals of impact will be trained to operate using the principles of art: movement, pattern, variety, balance, emphasis, contrast, proportion, and unity. These are principles of beauty and order that holistically guide a work of art, and can also holistically guide all expressions of society. Individuals will also benefit from this approach. Career counselors and life coaches are working hard to help young and old to make sense of their lives. Applying these principles will empower them to paint a complete composition of their lives. “Artistic” leaders will look closely at each principle of art and analyze the implications they have for their personal lives and corporate direction. Here is a sampling of principles and their possible applications:

Movement

Movement is applied to an artwork to move the viewer’s eye though the piece. The piece will not be stagnant or claustrophobic, but the viewer’s eye is able to freely move from area to area, led by visual cues, such as diagonal lines. In the same way, world-changers will not resign themselves to a practical rut, but will consist of dynamic members and strategies. They will be open to unpredictable possibilities or “diagonal” moves.

Pattern

Leaders will be able to understand, manipulate, and submit to the principle of pattern. They will accurately interpret history and apply its lessons. There won’t be unchecked chaos, but strategic plans that are implemented, observed, and adjusted with scientific consistency.

Variety

A successful artist will effectively balance the repetition of pattern and the unpredictability of variety. Variety often works together with movement, providing highlights that catch the viewer’s eye in a field of pattern. Andy Warhol prints were often mechanical repetitions of products and celebrities. Each image would be almost identical with small inconsistencies in elements such as color. These inconsistencies cause the viewer to look more intently at the piece. They create visual interest. In the same way, dynamic leaders will achieve unpredictable highlights and adjustments to their rigorous plans.

Balance

A painting with asymmetrical balance may have two small shapes on the left side of the painting and one large object on the right side of the painting. The painting is aesthetically pleasing because, while the two halves are not a mirror image, the asymmetry does not leave us unsettled. The two small components counterbalance the one large component. One possible application of this principle has to do with leadership and the delegation of leadership. The president of an institution may have one area of emphasis, which is the key to the corporate vision. However, it is possible the president is neglecting other facets that are vital to supporting the vision. Balance can be achieved by raising up subordinate leaders who emphasize these other facets.

Unity

A song that is written with unity is a complete, whole, coherent piece. It holds to its own musical and poetic themes. It follows a key and a chord progression. If the piece modulates away from the original key, it is done at a logical point in such a way as to not distract the listener, but amplify the song’s theme. Unity means that everything about the song supports its emotional and literary meaning. The songwriter asks, “What is the most important thing I want to communicate through this song and what method can I follow to give its content the most impact?” If the song has impact, then the artist has a voice: a powerful message that is clearly understood. All leaders must find unity in their plans and labors in order to achieve a voice in society. Singleness of vision must be articulated by all people of impact. Any effort or resource that does not support the ultimate vision is fat that must be cut away.

In conclusion, we will increasingly see individuals that think like artists rise to the top of all spheres. Artists of life will see what is not there and call it into being. They start with a blank canvas and fearlessly apply their highest hopes.

Pottery Power Point

Here's the Power Point notes that go with my pottery demonstration/teaching, "The Potter is Forming a Bride".

Click Here for "The Potter is Forming a Bride" Power Point

You can see the video in the post below.

"The Potter is Forming a Bride" Video

I did this teaching in December of 2009 at the Gateway House of Prayer. I had to edit it down to shorten it. (Sorry about any choppiness in the video.) It's almost 40 minutes long, but worth a listen.

You can also see the Power Point notes for this teaching posted above.

Untitled, 2010

Acrylic on linen
Not for sale.

This is the largest painting I've made, measuring roughly 7' X 5'. It represents the non-stop prayer life of the intercessor. Prayer is like breathing. It's the pumping station.

Watched an amazing documentary on PBS. For me, it connects art, math, science, and God's beauty. It also displays the fine line between genius and insanity.

I appreciate this because I find that I explore issues of order in my art.

Here's the trailer.

Behold The Man continued...

Behold The Man

This sculpture was created to lead the viewer to the place of worship. The images come from the description of Jesus Christ in Revelation Chapter 1. Fully man and fully God, He will be glorious to behold. We will be unable to see all of Him in a moment or an eternity.

Also this piece is intercession, calling for God to release a new Renaissance to the Church. These images come from a piece by Albrecht Durer, one the first printmakers who illustrated the Bible with the invention of the printing press. May God bring a new Renaissance with a release of revelation, creativity, and spiritual technology.


Not for Sale

Quicken My Mortal Body

This painting is an altar of healing, calling for healing power to come forth from God’s throne.

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
(Romans 8:11)

This painting also calls for Life to raise up the Body of Christ, a warring bride.

This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life… So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet--a vast army. (Ezekiel 37:5 and 10)

Not for sale.

I will be in a one-night art show at The Gathering.

Friday, May 1st 7-9 PM.

I will be putting on an art show for my students at the same time, so I will show up late. It should be pretty interesting. This church is interested in exploring artistic forms of worship. My friend Jack Whitney is in the show also.

Art Show info.

No Provision For the Flesh

Throughout the Bible, the desire for horses was often the desire for the strength of men. The horse and chariot represent the flesh and worldly, spiritual technology. We reject the strategies and wisdom of the age and look to the Only Wise God.

Joshua did to them as the Lord had directed: He hamstrung their horses and burned their chariots. (Joshua 11:9)

$330

Out of Joint - 2008

This piece is about the need for grace for the parts of the Body of Christ that are disconnected. These parts can be individuals or groups that need to be properly aligned with the Body.

Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed. (Hebrews 12:12-13)

$300

Art in God's Economy

My wife and I have recently dedicated ourselves to a more responsible and biblical use of our finances. About a week later, I got news that my Painting "Line Upon Line" was sold at GHOP (painting shown below). "Line Upon Line" was the first painting I made in the house of prayer. A man and his friend were visiting GHOP and discussing Kingdom living and the tapestry that God creates as he orchestrates Divine appointments and interactions between believers and churches. Then they saw the painting. "This is what we are talking about", one of them said. The other man had had that picture in his mind as he had been in a season of meditation on the Kingdom of God. He sold a gold necklace from his early, unredeemed life in order to purchase the painting.

This is a word to artists and to anyone desiring a life of surrender and obedience. This is a sign that God is not confined to our economy and recession. As we walk in obedience, God's provision will meet with us. Wealth will come for us! In an economy that leaves people unable to pay their mortgage, God can raise up finances, even for art. We are called to be obedient. We must be who He's called us to be. Seek first His Kingdom.

The Bezalels: Artists Called By Name

Dear friends,

I am constantly seeking God for His heart and mind concerning the place of art in the Church and in the end times. This leads me to spend a lot of time meditating on the life of Bezalel. Bezalel is the artisan from the book of Exodus who was in charge of creating the ark of the covenant and the other furnishings of the first Tabernacle. The following are some of my notes I've gathered. They are in outline format, so feel free to meditate and pray on each bullet point. The concepts here have strong application for everyone, not just artists.

John


I. THE CALLING OF BEZALEL IS FOR ALL

1 Now the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2 "See, I have called by name Bezalel, the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 3 "I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all {kinds of} craftsmanship, (Exodus 31:1-3)

A. Bezalel is “called by name”.

i. We must pray for God to call people by name to the HOP. They need a divine encounter.
ii. We need to continue to hear God call our names. We cannot sustain on old words.

B. God, Himself, filled Bezalel “with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all {kinds of} craftsmanship.” Only God can do this internal work. It causes us to fall on our faces before Him.

i. God filled him with wisdom, which is also translated “skilled in war.” We must have an understanding of warfare in the spirit realm along with our own personal spiritual violence.
ii. God filled him with understanding, which is also discernment. We must have the prophetic edge, the “now” kind of wisdom in which we discern the signs and the times and give accurate words that can be acted upon.
iii. God filled him with knowledge which also the same “knowledge” between Adam and Eve. We must experience intimacy with our Bridegroom. Revelation of Truth and His passion for us will transform our hearts.
iv. God filled him with craftsmanship, which comes from “occupation”, “messenger”, and “ representative”. This is the task we are anointed to do as God’s ambassador. Bezalel’s occupation happened to be all kinds of art.
C. Warfare, discernment, intimacy, and occupation: four musts of the prophetic intercessor. The first three are solely achieved in the place of prayer. Three parts prayer and one part task is not a bad ratio.